MORE than 900 riders took part in the Ballarat Come to Life Cycle Classic yesterday, raising thousands of dollars for cancer.It was the second annual Cycle Classic, organisers hailing it a huge success.Ballarat business people and other residents gathered at Ballarat Yacht Club yesterday morning, as cycling kicked off at 7.30am.It was a carnival-style cycling event, featuring road rides, four bands including the Ballarat Grammar School band, and entertainers All Ordinaries.The event was raising much-needed funds for the Ballarat Cancer Research Centre, with $100,000 the target.But late yesterday, organiser Julie O'Donohue said up to $130,000 had been raised to further the centre's research."Every cent, including the riders' entry fees, went straight to the centre," Mrs O'Donohue said."We covered our overall costs through our sponsors but most will go straight to research to improve their work and keep equipment up-to-date."It was estimated up to 2000 visitors attended the Cycle Classic, as well as this year's new challenge, the Oamps Insurance Brokers Corporate Cup.The cup catered to all fitness levels, with a 100km King of the Mountain ride up Mt Buninyong, and a 2.5 hour King of the Lake ride around Lake Wendouree. Mrs O'Donohue said the event brought the Ballarat community and the BCRC closer together."It's important for the economic growth of Ballarat and I think businesses recognise this," she said."The centre provides an incredible role in providing services to this region, even up to Horsham and Mildura ... the centre is the important link."On Saturday night, about $25,000 was raised through the Sponsors and Celebrity Cocktail Evening.Up to 150 guests, including Olympian Scott McGory, media commentator Michael Roberts, Danny Frawley and Rob Gaylard.